Looking to shore up a position that has seemed to be in flux throughout their MLS existence, the Portland Timbers acquired Kosuke Kimura from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for an undisclosed amount of allocation money and an international roster spot on Thursday.
Kosuke Kimura Joins Timbers After Trade From Rapids
Rapids send right back Kosuke Kimura to the Timbers after he seemingly fell out of favor with coach Oscar Pareja.
Kimura has been a key contributor for the Rapids for most of the past four seasons, logging four goals and eight assists during that time. He had started 12 games this year, but has not played in any of the past three.
The Timbers have started four different players at right back this season, with Jack Jewsbury most recently taking over the position. Jewsbury has played well at times, but is also out of position as a full back. Kimura should assume the fulltime starting role relatively quickly.
The Rapids seem to be hinting as this being part of a larger series of moves.
“This is a move that gives us flexibility as we work with our roster and prepare for the rest of the season and beyond,” Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo said in a team release. “This was an incredibly difficult decision for us, considering the wonderful service Kosuke has given us both on and off the field since he arrived here in 2007. He is a class act and we wish him success in Portland.”
For more analysis of the trade, be sure to check out Stumptown Footy and Burgundy Wave.
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